Help Brock and His Backers Finish Strong

Last year, at the age of 15, our buddy Brock stood 6’5” — at a minimum … we haven’t seen the top of his head since the 4th grade —and checked in at 225 lbs. And he’s held many nicknames over the years. The “Ultimate Warrior” stands out. That moniker never held more true than this past year, when, this otherwise strapping young man, took cancer to the woodshed.

Our buddy Brock when we dubbed him the “Ultimate Warrior.”

We’ve known Brock since birth … as Becca and his mother have been friends since college. We’ve spent holidays together. Brock played on several of my basketball teams. We’re family.

A re-creation of a travel pic with Brock’s parents and friends (left) and all of our kids (Brock — center in purple).

So … when Brock was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the spring of 2017, we were in complete shock.

Brock (left) sharing a Coke and a laugh at the World of Coke in Atlanta.

In April of last year, before heading to bed, Brock discovered a lump on the left side of my neck. When he headed to the doctor the next day, he thought it would be a routine visit.

In Brock’s words … “It wasn’t! This began a series of events that changed the course of my life. To my shock I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma! My family was devastated, and I was in disbelief. I felt perfectly fine, so how could I be so sick?”

He spent the days that followed at Children’s Mercy Hospital in downtown Kansas City.

His entire team of specialists, including his oncologist, Dr. Jaszianne Tolbert, surrounded him with “caring support.” She devised an expert plan of attack.

During his treatment, Brock still gets out for some pool time with “G” and his older bro.

“While the diagnosis sounded hopeless, Dr. Tolbert assured me that Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can be beat and is in fact one of the easier blood cancers to combat,” says Brock. “Due to the many years of research, largely funded by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, this type of cancer now has a 90% cure rate, and is improving every day!”

… And The Outcome

On Aug. 16, 2017, after five long rounds of treatment, Brock beat the damn thing.

“It was finally over,” says Brock. “While my check-ups will continue for 2 years, my prognosis is good, and I feel truly blessed.”

Dad and Mom with Brock (look at the full head of lettuce!) at a recent LLS fundraiser.

Even a few dollars can help. If you can’t contribute monetarily, please share Brock’s message (use #BASTRONG and #FightBloodCancer) and fundraising link with your contacts via email or social media.

Not only is this campaign a great way to support LLS and their life-saving work, but it’s a great leadership opportunity for Brock. Students will receive scholarships based on fundraising and awareness efforts. Also, if he tops the local leaderboard in contributions, the science program at Brock’s school, Blue Valley North High School, will receive a $2,500 grant.

Thank You For Becoming One of Brock’s Backers!

Thank you in advance for your support. Let’s help push Brock over the top!Your contribution will help fund therapies and treatments that saves lives. With your assistance, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society can take another step closer to a cure for blood cancers.

LLS’s continued advancements over the years, are responsible for the blood cancer survival rate doubling and tripling; in some cases, the survival rate has even quadrupled.

And many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are now used to treat patients with rare forms of stomach and skin cancers. They’re even being tested in clinical trials for patients with a range of cancers including lung, brain, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers. LLS funded drugs are now being tested for patients with other non-cancerous diseases like Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis.

All donations are tax deductible. They’ll not only support LLS research but patient services, advocacy, public and professional education, and community services.